The Best Show's On Television (Right now)

      In the age of binge watching and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. We're definitely in the golden age of television right now. Gone are the days of elite cable/satellite channels monopolizing the industry, and birthing an increasingly stale level of output. The internet has gave way to such a diverse array of content that it can often be disorienting to try to figure out what to watch. The days of the lighthearted sitcom and scripted "Reality TV Shows" dominating the airwaves are over, and in it's place is a demand for a new breed of the sitcom, which doesn't take itself too seriously (The Office, New Girl etc.) And for entrancing character driven drama's, which heavily emphasize longevity and viewer engagement (The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, etc.). There's exceptions of course. The Kardashian's still have the entirety of the western world obsessing over their lives, and somehow certain shows such as Love and Hip Hop still exist, but the market for these is slowly shrinking. In celebration of this, here are some shows currently airing which you should absolutely check out if you haven't already, but be careful. You may just get addicted.

Game of Thrones

      This one's a no brainer, and I'm starting with it to get the obvious choice out of the way. This show is a pop culture tsunami right now, and for good reason. It's not good. It's incredible. There's a little bit of everything in this show, to the point that even if you're not a fan of the genre then I'd still suggest you give it a chance as it's just so diverse. If you're a film fan who can't enjoy television as much due to the lower production value, then this is the show for you. Each episode costs more money to make than a lot of movies do. On top of that, this series in specific benefits a lot from watching it at your own leisure. The story line oftentimes moves at a snails pace throughout the first 6 seasons, and this can be slightly frustrating as a weekly viewer. However to a binge watcher, it creates what I'll say is one of the best narrative experiences in televised history. 

Synopsis: In the mythical continent of Westeros, several powerful families fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms. As conflict erupts in the kingdoms of men, an ancient enemy rises once again to threaten them all. Meanwhile, the last heirs of a recently usurped dynasty plot to take back their homeland from across the Narrow Sea 

The Walking Dead

      This one may seem as if it's a no brainer as well, but it was a tough decision to include it on this list. Simply put, when The Walking Dead is good, it's great. Easily one of the best shows on Television. When it's bad however, it's a major chore to get through. After the first season the show settled into a pattern of having one incredible episode, only to follow it up with a couple of mediocre ones with a downright horrible week thrown in every now and then. It's particularly frustrating because there was never really a set point at which the show fell off. From season to season, and oftentimes episode to episode the quality fluctuates more wildly than any series I have ever watched. The only ones I would ever ever describe as overall great are 1, 3, and 6. The rest? It's a mixed bag. Which makes it hard to be a fan of The Walking Dead.

Synopsis:  The Walking Dead takes place after the onset of a worldwide zombie apocalypse. The zombies, colloquially referred to as "walkers", shamble towards living humans and other creatures to eat them (they are attracted to noise, e.g., gunshots, and to different scents, e.g., humans). Humans that they bite or scratch become infected and slowly turn into walkers as well. It is revealed early in the series that all living humans carry this pathogen, so that if they die from any other cause, they will also turn into walkers. The only way to permanently kill a walker is to damage its brain or otherwise fully destroy the body, such as by cremating it.The series centers on sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes, who wakes up from a coma to discover this apocalypse. He becomes the leader of a group of survivors from the Atlanta, Georgia region as they attempt to sustain themselves and protect themselves not only against attacks by walkers but by other groups of survivors willing to assure their longevity by any means necessary. 

Shameless

      Let's switch up genre's for a minute. Shameless is a raunchy comedy about a seriously dysfunctional family living in inner city Chicago. I'm usually not a fan of comedic TV shows, but I absolutely love shameless. Aside from the shock value and fun, it's a really character driven show, interjecting dramatic story lines frequently and effectively. As the series goes on it loses a bit of steam, but with the exception of a few episodes it's never gotten downright bad and has always been entertaining. If a lot of over the top needless sex scenes, young children smoking/drinking, and examples of some of the worst possible role models is a deal breaker for you. I'd steer clear of this one.

The Flash

      The CW - home of The Flash - get's a lot of flack for including needless relationship drama into their shows, pandering to a young teenage audience, and having bad action scenes. However, The Flash easily ticks those boxes the least out of almost any series they've ever made. It's overall the best show out of The Arrowverse, although I'd argue that Arrow has had higher highs. And it's a very lighthearted show whilst still remaining effective when it wants to go darker. For those who aren't fans of DC comics, it can be a very enjoyable series which doesn't require quite as much thought as many other shows on television. However for those who are die hard fans of the comics, there are some key differences which may be hard to get past. To avoid spoilers, I'll leave those creative liberties up to you to seek out.

Stranger Things

      Stranger Things is a passionate love letter to 80s cinema. It perfectly captures the essence of the classic Spielberg esque style of film while still managing to be a fresh series in it's own right. It's a Netflix original, and easily one of their best. Visually, it is absolutely stunning (which if we're being completely honest is one of the main draws of the show.) and the story is one that'll have you clicking on the next episode at 2 AM. If you're a fan of this style of film making, then I cannot recommend Stranger Things enough. Check it out before the second season is released. You'll be glad you did.

Synopsis:  Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s, the first season focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around the town including the appearance of a psychokinetic girl who helps the missing boy's friends in their own search.

American Horror Story

      American Horror Story is a very interesting show. It's an anthology series which features a completely new story every season despite retaining the same cast. Each season showcases a remarkably different genre of horror. Featuring everything from the supernatural jump fest that was 'Murder House,' to the more disturbing comedic thrill ride that was 'Coven.' If you're a fan of the genre, I can guarantee that there will be at least one story you'll enjoy. I'd suggest you begin with the first season - Murder House, then from there on jump around to whatever interests you the most. There are minor connections between a few seasons, but nothing drastic enough to require viewing them in any kind of order. The beauty of this series is that each season appeals to certain people for drastically different reasons. I can't with confidence call any one "bad." There are just specific outings which aren't made for me. This show is without a doubt worth viewing.

Mr. Robot

      I'm going to give away very little about Mr Robot, and won't include a synopsis. I went into this show completely blind out of boredom one day, and I think it's unquestionably the best way to experience this series. This is a show that'll have you scratching your head after one episode, then pacing around your living room in a haze of mind blowing euphoria because of what just happened or was revealed on screen. All I'll say is, be prepared for to think, be confused, have your world collapse around you, and become attached to expertly crafted characters. Mr. Robot is a unique series to say the least.

So much to watch, so little time. I'd suggest you get started!